UTPB Faculty Give Back Beyond the Classroom

Every Wednesday morning during the month of May, a group of professors will head to the food bank to fill boxes with food for the growing number of families in need in West Texas

The faculty at UT Permian Basin continue to exemplify the generosity and compassion that makes this University special. It’s a big reason why so many students call UTPB home. So it comes as no surprise, that during these unprecedented times, UTPB professors have teamed up to give back.

“When oil hit an all-time low a couple of weeks ago, we saw the writing on the wall. As if COVID-19 wasn't bad enough with people being unable to work, we knew the need would be even greater once companies in the oil industry started laying off workers as well. Many of us have lived in this area for a long time. I was born and raised here. I know what these layoffs do to families and our community. Never before has the need to take care of our community been so great,” said Dr. Jessica Garrett, UTPB professor and President of the Faculty Senate.

Every Wednesday morning during the month of May, a group of professors will head to the food bank to fill boxes with food for the growing number of families in need in West Texas. Dr. Garrett said part of their mission is serving others and they could not think of a better way to do just that.

“There is no reason anyone should go hungry if there is something we can do about it. We want this community to know that we care, and we are here to help!”

According to Craig Stoker with the West Texas Food Bank (WTXFB), in April they distributed 777,000 lbs of food. To put that in perspective: a Boeing 747 weighs about 400,000 lbs. That means the WTXFB handed out nearly two airplanes worth of food! The food bank is clearly ramping up production, but due to COVID-19 they can only accept a limited amount of volunteers.

“As the West Texas Food Bank tries to bring some sense of normalcy back to our operations, the decision was made to invite small groups of volunteers from groups who have worked at the food bank in the past,” said Craig Stoker, Communications Director for the West Texas Food Bank. “The warehouse team has been working six days a week to build pantry boxes and work our in-house and mobile distributions. Bringing in small volunteer groups from our partner organizations helps alleviate some of the pressure. We are so thankful for everyone who wants to help right now, and we promise we will throw open our doors to the public soon, but for now we are following the COVID guidelines and being overprotective of the food bank team.”

Dr. Garrett explained when the West Texas Food Bank reached out for help, they were ready and willing.

“This isn't something a family can even begin to prepare for. Our faculty currently volunteering at the West Texas Food Bank saw an opportunity to come together and meet a need in our community. So, we answered that call!